MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — The Republican battle for South Carolina turned deeply personal on the eve of Saturday's high-stakes presidential primary, as New York businessman Donald Trump eyed a delegate sweep and his Republican rivals fought for a southern surprise.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, the son of a pastor, evoked "the body of Christ" in his closing message while fending off allegations of campaign misconduct in a state where most Republicans identify as evangelical Christians.
[...] Trump allies took subtle shots at Pope Francis for questioning the Republican front-runner's devotion to Christian principles.
Candidates were also trying to stoke some badly needed momentum heading into the next phase of the campaign:
[...] a victory would mark a particularly painful blow to Cruz, whose consistent focus on Christian values and southern roots should have given him a distinct advantage here.
Campaigning in the same city, Cruz tried to take advantage of the spiritual spat by highlighting his own religious devotion.
"Every minute that you're not on the phone calling friends and loved ones, spend beseeching God, praying for this country, that this spirit of revival that is sweeping this country continue and grow, and that we awaken the body of Christ," the Texas senator said.
Cruz also took a veiled shot at Trump's campaign motto, featured on hats, T-shirts and bumper stickers.
